Psychodermatology: Basics Concepts

Abstract

Psychodermatology is a relatively new field of medicine. It encompasses the interaction of mind and skin. The role of psychoneuroimmunology in the causation of psychocutaneous disorders and psychosocial aspects of skin disease have gained momentum lately. The treatment of psychodermatological disorders focus on improving function, reducing physical distress, diagnosing and treating depression and anxiety associated with skin disease, managing social isolation and improving self esteem of the patient. Both pharmacological and psychological interventions are used in treating psychocutaneous disorders. The interest in Psychodermatology around the world is increasing and there are several organizations holding their regular meetings.

Attachment Styles of Dermatological Patients in Europe: A Multi­centre Study in 13 Countries

“…The conclusion of Lahousen et al's study of and our results also suggests that "psychological interventions should be integrated in the treatment of psoriasis" (28). The following interventions can be beneficial in the management of psoriasis: managing social isolation/withdrawal and improving self-esteem (29), applying support and education to reduce the intensity of pruritus (30), using adjunctive cognitive behavioural therapy combined with biofeedback (31), applying concepts from the life course approach to better understand the impact of chronic skin disease over the life course (32). The work of a psychodermatology multidisciplinary team (which may also include a dermatologist, a psychiatrist, a psychologist and other health professionals) has been identified as a successful way to manage patients with psychocutaneous disease (33).…”

Functional magnetic resonance imaging in dermatology: The skin, the brain and the invisible

“…[ [18][19][20][21][22][23][24] The skin-brain connection is further complicated by considering that the skin is able to produce its own neurotrophins and serotonin presumably as a result of its common origin with the brain. The skin has its own "peripheral" HPA axis to respond to stress and interact with the central HPA axis.…”

Psoríase, Psicofármacos e Comorbilidades Psiquiátricas: Um Estudo de Caso-Controlo numa População de Doentes Hospitalizados

“…21,22 CONCLUSÃO Considerando sobretudo a medicação habitual dos doentes, podemos inferir que as comorbilidades psiquiátricas e cardiovasculares têm uma prevalência clinicamente significativa nos doentes com psoríase. O presente estudo reforça resultados previamente publicados sobre prevalência de comorbilidades psiquiátricas nos doentes com psoríase.…”